ROLL NO.
- USL2023COM066
B.COM (Morning), DEP-A
CASE STUDY PROJECT FOR EVS
Topic: The Impact of River Pollution on the Ganga River
and Its Ecosystem
Word Count: ~ 1000 words
1. Introduction
The Ganga River, often referred to as the lifeline of India, holds immense spiritual,
cultural, and ecological significance. Flowing over 2,500 km through the northern
plains, it supports the lives of more than 400 million people. Yet, despite its revered
status, the Ganga has become one of the most polluted rivers in the world.
This case study explores the root causes of Ganga river pollution, its environmental
consequences, the efforts made to clean it, and the challenges that persist. The aim
is to highlight how human activities have deeply impacted the river and what can be
done to reverse the damage.
2. Background of the Ganga River
The Ganga originates from the Gangotri Glacier in the Himalayas and travels
through the states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and West
Bengal before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. It is not just a river but a crucial
resource that supports agriculture, industry, transportation, and drinking water needs
for millions.
From a religious standpoint, the Ganga is considered sacred by Hindus, and its
water is believed to purify sins. However, the contradiction lies in how the river is
treated in practice — with massive amounts of waste being dumped into it daily.
3. Causes of Ganga River Pollution
a) Industrial Waste
Industries along the banks of the river discharge untreated chemical waste into the
Ganga. Tanneries in Kanpur, paper mills in Uttarakhand, and distilleries in Bihar are
major culprits. These toxins not only harm aquatic life but also seep into
groundwater.
b) Sewage Discharge
Over 3 billion liters of untreated sewage from cities like Varanasi, Allahabad
(Prayagraj), and Patna are released into the river every day. Most sewage treatment
plants are either non-functional or inadequate in capacity.
c) Religious Offerings and Rituals
Daily offerings such as flowers, food, ashes, and even partially burnt corpses are
released into the Ganga during rituals and festivals. While these are done out of
devotion, they contribute heavily to the biological and solid waste load.
d) Agricultural Runoff
The use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in the fertile plains of northern India
causes harmful runoff to flow into the river, especially during the monsoon season.
These chemicals lead to eutrophication and kill fish and other aquatic organisms.
4. Impact on the Environment
a) Aquatic Life Depletion
Pollution has led to a decline in biodiversity. Species like the Ganges river dolphin
(India’s national aquatic animal) and several species of fish are now endangered.
Oxygen levels in the water have dropped drastically in many areas.
b) Health Hazards
Contaminated water is linked to cholera, dysentery, hepatitis, and typhoid
outbreaks. Rural populations who rely on the Ganga for drinking water are
particularly vulnerable.
c) Economic Loss
Fishermen and farmers who depend on the river for their livelihood face declining
productivity due to pollution. Tourism has also taken a hit, especially in pilgrimage
towns like Varanasi.
5. Government Initiatives
a) Ganga Action Plan (GAP)
Launched in 1986, the Ganga Action Plan was the first major attempt by the Indian
government to clean the river. Its objectives included setting up sewage treatment
plants, preventing industrial discharge, and educating people. However, it failed due
to poor implementation and corruption.
b) National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA)
Formed in 2009, the NGRBA aimed to coordinate actions across states and central
agencies. It emphasized a basin-wide approach but lacked the power to enforce
decisions effectively.
c) Namami Gange Programme
Launched in 2014, this is the most ambitious project so far. With over ₹20,000 crore
allocated, it includes:
● Building sewage treatment infrastructure
● River surface cleaning
● Afforestation
● Public awareness campaigns
It also involves collaboration with NGOs, research institutions, and foreign countries
like Germany and Japan.
6. Case Focus: Varanasi – A Tale of Contrasts
Varanasi, one of the oldest cities in the world, lies on the banks of the Ganga. Known
for its ghats and spiritual significance, it receives lakhs of pilgrims annually.
Issues in Varanasi:
● Direct dumping of sewage and solid waste into the river
● Massive crowds during religious festivals like Ganga Dussehra and Kumbh
Mela
● Cremation rituals leading to ash, wood, and partially burnt bodies entering the
water
Progress:
● Under Namami Gange, sewage treatment capacity in Varanasi has increased
● Mechanical river-surface cleaning machines have been deployed
● Awareness campaigns in schools and community groups are showing early
signs of behavioral change
Yet, the challenges of population pressure and deep-rooted habits remain.
7. Community and NGO Involvement
Several grassroots organizations are playing an important role:
● Ganga Action Parivar educates communities about the river’s ecology and
organizes clean-up drives.
● Sankat Mochan Foundation in Varanasi promotes scientific solutions to
sewage treatment.
● EcoSikh and other religious organizations are working to align spiritual
practices with environmental awareness.
Such efforts show that change is possible when local communities take ownership.
8. Challenges That Remain
● Behavioral Change: Rituals and daily practices need to be rethought. People
must understand that spirituality and sanitation can go hand in hand.
● Coordination Among Agencies: Multiple government departments often
work in silos. Better coordination is needed.
● Corruption and Delays: Several projects suffer from misuse of funds or
bureaucratic delays.
● Climate Change: Reduced glacial melt and erratic monsoons affect the
river’s flow and health.
9. The Way Forward
To truly save the Ganga, a multi-pronged approach is needed:
1. Stricter enforcement against polluters
2. Education and awareness campaigns in schools and local communities
3. Promoting eco-friendly alternatives for religious rituals
4. Greater citizen involvement in monitoring and clean-up efforts
10. Conclusion
The Ganga River is more than just a water body — it is a symbol of life, faith, and
culture in India. While its pollution presents a grim reality, it also offers an
opportunity: to unite across politics, religions, and social barriers to restore what has
been lost.
India’s environmental future, especially for millions living in the Ganga basin,
depends on whether we can strike a balance between tradition and sustainability.
Cleaning the Ganga is not just an environmental mission; it is a national duty.
